CJ Parent Weekly

December 15, 2011 - Winter Exams: December 16 & 19-21

Community Update | Deptartment News | Calendar | Reminders | Parent Meetings

Greetings!

The time before the Christmas holiday can be stressful for everyone as we plan to reconnect with family and friends, try to find the perfect gifts and prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is no different for our students, who must also set aside valuable time during the busy season in order to prepare for winter exams.

Although teachers have been assisting students in the exam prep process, it is ultimately the students' responsibility to study and be ready to take the test. Fortunately, each of you as parents can also take steps now to actively engage your student and help him or her successfully prepare for exam time.

We strongly encourage all parents to take advantage of some of the following hints and tips while your son or daughter prepares to tackle exams this week and next:

Review the exam schedule with your child to make sure he/she knows when to be at school.

Help make sure your child arrives on time for all exams.

Help your child organize and prioritize his/her time.

Make sure your child has a quiet place, free of distractions, to study and prepare for exams.

Remind your child to bring home the appropriate study materials.

Have the necessary materials on hand that your child needs to to study. Some examples include:

index cards (for creating flashcards).
pens, pencils, and paper (for writing definitions and math problems out).
color pencils and markers.
batteries for calculators.

Be sure your child gets plenty of rest during exam time. Pulling "all-nighters" is neither the best way to learn the information nor healthy.

Be sure your child eats breakfast before coming to school to take exams.

Encourage your child to study. Offer small rewards (such as making a favorite meal) for studying.

Volunteer to quiz your child on the test material, or allow him/her to tell you the information out loud (some students remember things better when reciting it out loud).

Remind your child to take breaks from studying. Getting a snack, taking a short walk/jog, etc. can help students regain focus and energy.

Finally, before Friday morning arrives, browse the winter exam information at cjeagles.org for the daily exam schedules, transportation availability and a list of student expectations. NOTE: all students need to be in school and on time for period 1 tomorrow, regardless if an exam is being administered in that class.

Sincerely,

Steve Fuchs, Director of the Academic Office | email

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EAGLE PRIDE

Eagles swimmers started the 2011-12 season with strong performances, including a first place team finish, at the Trotwood-Grennon Invitational on Saturday. Continue >

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COMMUNITY UPDATE

NEW this week:

Immerse yourself in Christmas spirit at CJ's annual Christmas concert, Sounds of the Season, presented by the Performing Arts department Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. This free event features student-groups as well as a special performance by the alumni choir. View story >

Students taking an introductory Project Lead the Way engineering class taught by Brad Kassner, as well as 7th and 8th graders from Bishop Leibold and St. Chris, ate like soldiers last week while learning about military MREs -- Meals, Ready-to-Eat. View story >

CU December 2011 -- Read Full Issue

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DEPARTMENT NEWS

OFFICE OF STUDENT SERVICES (OSS)
Bus Transportation During Exam Week, Dec. 19-21

The Huber Heights, Vandalia and Jefferson Township school districts will pick up students at noon following exams on December 19-21. There will not be a Beavercreek bus; please plan accordingly.

If a student does not have an exam during conflict time but plans to ride the bus home, he/she should report to the cafeteria until noon when his/her bus arrives. The Eagles Learning Center will be open from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 19-20.

Students Parking in CJ Lots - *CLARIFICATION*

Lot D (located on the site of the former "Faust" building) is now open for student parking; however, students must obtain a special permit to use the lot. View campus map >

Any student who would like to buy a new pass, or students currently holding a pass for the SCC lot who would like to move to the new lot, should stop in OSS for a Lot D parking pass.

*Current pass holders will not be charged again to swap/trade lots.*

Students are reminded that parking in any CJ lot without a permit is prohibited, and vehicles in violation risk being towed.

Jason Unger, Assistant Principal | email

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GUIDANCE
College Application Deadlines for Seniors

If your student has January 1 college applications that are pending, please have him/her visit the guidance office before break. We can not submit applications and supporting documents if forms are missing or if transcript fees are not up-to-date and paid.

It is imperative that students with applications pending stop by the guidance office before break because the office is closed from December 22, 2011 through January 3, 2012 for the Christmas holiday and no one will be available to process paperwork.

Sign-Up Forms Now Available for AP Tests

Sign-up forms for the 2012 AP Tests are now available in the AP folder in Family Connection's document library. Instructions for payment are on the form and the form must be completed and returned to the business office by no later than March 1, 2012.

Get Started in Family Connection: Log in

For assistance with your username or password, or if you have not retrieved your initial passcode from the guidance office, please call or email Kelly Muhl at 461.3740 x243.

Charlene Wheeler, Guidance | email

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ATHLETICS

Informational Meetings for Spring Sports

On Sunday, Dec. 18 the crew team will host an informational meeting for parents from 7 to 8 p.m. in the library. Winter training has just started and any rowers/coxswains are welcome to join. If you can't make the meeting, please email parents' group leader Mike Bruggeman.

Any boys interested in playing volleyball this spring are encouraged to attend a men's volleyball meeting Tuesday, Jan. 10 in room 104 immediately after school.

Get Involved Now!

Teams currently hosting conditioning sessions for the spring season include:

Contact individual coaches, or check the Student Conditioning Center calendar, for dates and times of conditioning.

Look for conditioning sessions for fall sports football as well as men's and women's soccer to begin in January.

Scott Pierce, Athletic Director | email

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MINISTRY & SERVICE

2012 Summer Mission Trip Applications

Summer mission trip applications for Cincinnati, Ohio; Solsberry, Ind.; and Belize will be available in late January. Look for them on the Service Learning Trips Web page under the Ministry & Service tab.

Kelli Kinnear, Ministry & Service | email
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CJ STEMM

Exploring STEMM Opportunities Over Break

All students interested in using part of their summer to explore STEMM career fields, and participate in a program that would look great on a college application or job resume, should check out the numerous programs listed on the

Internships and Summer Programs Web pages under CJ STEMM. Programs encompassing topics including engineering, science, nursing, medicine and more are open to high school students in all grade levels.

Encourage students to use Christmas break to explore these summer internship and program opportunities, and check into specific program and application requirements -- it is not too early! Most summer programs are accepting applications now and the good ones will fill up quickly. Application deadlines generally occur soon after the New Year.

Meg Draeger, CJ STEMM | email

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CALENDAR

Winter Exams

December 16 and 19-21

The complete exam schedule, along with a list of expectations and bus transportation availability, is now available from the Academics tab at cjeagles.org.

Friday, Dec. 16 - Period 1 exams given 8:05 to 9:50 a.m.

ALL STUDENTS must report to period 1 regardless if an exam is being given.
Students will be dismissed at 3 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 19 - Period 7 & 8 exams given 8:05 to 10:45 a.m.

Cafeteria open 10:45 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.
Eagles Learning Center open 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 20 - Period 4/5 & 6 exams given 8:05 to 10:45 a.m.

Cafeteria open 10:45 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.
Eagles Learning Center open 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 21 - Period 2 & 3 exams given 8:05 to 10:45 a.m.

Cafeteria open 10:45 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.
No Eagles Learning Center

Steve Fuchs, Director of the Academic Office | email

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Men's Basketball vs. Fenwick

Friday, December 16 | Fenwick High School

The Eagles will finish a four-game road streak and look to stay undefeated against GCL opponents against the Falcons at Fenwick High School (directions). The freshmen team will start at 4:30 p.m., followed by the JV at 6 p.m. and the varsity at 7:30 p.m.

Scott Pierce, Athletic Director | email
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CJ Swimming at Butler Invitational
Saturday, December 17 | noon | Wright State
Members of the men's and women's swim team will participate in the Butler Invitational at Wright State University (directions).

Scott Pierce, Athletic Director | email
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Christmas Concert

Sounds of the Season - FREE

Wednesday, December 21 | 7 pm | Auditorium

The CJ Performing Arts Department invites you to immerse yourself in the "Sounds of the Season" as the concert band, string ensemble, concert choir, liturgical choir, a cappella groups and alumni choir perform songs filled with the spirit of Christmas.

Following the concert, the Parents of Performing Arts Students (PoPS) is co-hosting a dessert reception in the library with the development office.

Debi Schutt, Performing Arts Department | email

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Christmas Break - NO SCHOOL

December 22, 2011 - January 3, 2012

The building will be closed Friday, December 23; Monday, December 26 and Monday, January 2. Classes resume Wednesday, January 4 at 8 a.m. and school will not be on block schedule.

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Classes Resume - NO BLOCK

Wednesday, January 4 | 8 a.m. start

School starts at 8 a.m. and will be on a regular daily schedule. There is no block this week.

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Eagle Parent Meetings

Thursday, Jan. 5 and Monday, Jan. 9

All CJ parents are invited to attend the December Eagle Parent meetings. These sessions are held every first Monday of each month, unless otherwise noted.

Thursday, Jan. 5

PoPS | 7 pm | Music room

Laura Meixner & Christine Evans, Co-Presidents | email

Monday, Jan. 9

Blue Green Club | 6 pm | Room 104

Tim and Pam Mahorney, Co-Presidents | email

Co-Educators | 7 pm | Library

Jenny Dufresne, President | email

Heads Up Parents: The Catholic Schools Week teacher luncheon will be Thursday, Feb. 2. We will need parent-volunteers to send in food items and drinks, and help with set-up, serving and clean-up. If you'd like to help, please email event coordinator Kathleen McNeily.

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CJ STEMM Idol Speaker Series

Tuesday, January 10 | CIL

During all homeroom periods in the CIL.

Meg Draeger, CJ STEMM | email

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End of 2nd Quarter / 1st Semester - NO BLOCK

Wednesday, January 11

School starts at 8 a.m. and will be on a regular daily schedule. There is no block this week.

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Out of Uniform Day

Friday, January 13

Out of uniform passes will be sold for $1 during homeroom. Please adhere to the guidelines listed on page 41 of the Student Handbook.

All the proceeds collected from each of CJ's out of uniform days go towards supporting CJ clubs and groups including National Honor Society, Key Club, Ministry and Service, and the senior class.

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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL

Monday, January 16

Building is closed.

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REMINDERS

Receiving One Call Now Alerts from CJ

CJ uses the One Call Now phone messaging system to keep parents informed of updates regarding possible school closings and delays due to inclement weather. On Saturday, Dec. 10, you should have received a test message through this system.

If you did not receive the One Call Now test message from CJ, or if you would like to update your contact information, please email Steve Fuchs, director of the academic office. You may add multiple phone numbers to our listing.

John Marshall, Principal | email
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Urban Plunge Retreat Applications DUE THU, DEC 15

Students in grades 10, 11 and 12 are invited to participate in Urban Plunge, sponsored by the Ozanam Center for Service Learning (part of the St. Vincent de Paul Society) in Cincinnati. This weekend retreat will involve a "plunge" into the inner city where students will learn about the poverty, homelessness, and other needs existing there.

Students will spend their days doing service, and evenings will be spent in prayer, reflection and simple community living. The cost is $70 and the retreat will be limited to 12 students. Applications are due Thursday, Dec. 15 and can be downloaded from the Service Learning Trips Web page under the Ministry & Service tab.

Kelli Kinnear, Ministry & Service | email
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Computer Skills Requirements for Freshmen

All freshmen received information in homeroom on Friday, Dec. 2 about the computer skills requirements. Students must either pass four computer skills tests during their freshman year or sign up for the Computer Topics class next year. Tests will begin in January and will continue into March.

Students are advised to train on their own for the tests before taking them. For training information, testing dates and general program information, visit the Business & Technology Department's Web page located under the Academics tab.

Steve Fuchs, Director of the Academic Office | email

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Student Resources - Eagles Learning Center

The Eagles Learning Center, hosted in the library, is now open from 3:30 to 5 p.m. every Monday through Thursday. All students still in the building after school will be directed to the center to complete homework assignments, work with assigned tutors and use school resources.

For safety reasons, no student is permitted to be in an unmonitored space during after-school hours. Any student found to be on the premises without a teacher, coach, moderator or parent after 3:30 p.m. will be directed to the center.

Students in attendance will be required to complete an expectation form. Forms can be picked up in the center upon arrival. If you have questions about the ELC, please contact Jama Badinghaus.

Jama Badinghaus, Guidance | email

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Save & Donate Christmas Cards After the Holidays

Save your religiously-themed Christmas cards and send them in to the office of ministry and service after Christmas Break. CJ takes the cards to children in Belize during the summer mission trip each year. These children do not receive Christmas cards, and they reuse the cards we collect to send to loved ones.

Kelli Kinnear, Ministry & Service | email
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Ski Club - Perfect North Passes Have Arrived

CJ Ski Club members were able to pick up ski passes, Perfect North waivers and CJ insurance waivers on Thursday, Dec. 8 in Beth Marshall's room (206).

To attend our first trip Friday, Jan. 13 and ride the bus, students must turn in all paperwork and bus fees by Tuesday, Jan. 10; the one-time bus fee is $6.25. Fees and waivers are needed from all Ski Club participants regardless of how many trips he/she plans to go on.

Note that bus space is limited; therefore, Perfect North pass holders will be given precedence. Singletons will be taken on a first come, first served basis.

Beth Marshall, Ski Club Moderator | email

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Online CJ Spirit Store - SEND YOUR FEEDBACK

We hope you're enjoying browsing our initial line of CJ Eagle gear at our newly-launched Online Spirit Store. Don't forget to send your feedback once you've finished shopping!

Tina Wagoner, Communications | email

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PARENTS: Get Prepared for SAT & ACT Tests Now!

Register today for a free webinar program geared toward helping parents understand how to best prepare students to take the SAT and ACT tests, and boost scores.

Offered through Family Connection, you can register for the Method Test Prep (MTP) 101 for Parents webinar for Monday, Dec. 19 from 11 to 11:30 a.m. by clicking here.

Charlene Wheeler, Guidance | email

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PARISH BULLETIN

Annual Christmas Tree Sale
Open Daily | St. Albert the Great Parish
The perfect freshly cut Christmas Tree is waiting for you in Kettering at St. Albert the Great Parish (directions). Trees (cut this week), roping and wreaths will be on sale daily, and all proceeds benefit the students of St. Albert.

HOURS:

Monday-Friday: 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 6 p.m.

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Founders' Thoughts

"It is the prayerful lives and self-immolation of religious that obtain the peace and tranquility of nations, the calm happiness of families, and a spirit of content among people."

Fr. Chaminade

"We must serve God in the manner He asks of us."

Fast Five

Winter Exams
    12/16 & 12/19 - 12/21

Christmas Concert
    12/21 - 7 pm

Christmas Break
    12/22 - 1/3

Classes Resume
    1/4 - 8 am start (no block)

End Quarter 2 / Semester 1
    1/11 - 8 am start (no block)

Featured Faculty & Staff Member

Jenny Secor

Jenny Secor is one fun-loving nut, a derivative of her Buckeye roots at The Ohio State University. Jenny graduated in 1980 and imprinted her love of the school on her three daughters, all of whom are recent alumni.

Jenny grew up in Marion, Ohio and married her husband, David, 28 years ago. Together, they served United Methodist Churches in both Ohio and Michigan for fifteen years. David currently works for the Ohio EPA and continues to be environmentally oriented outside of work by driving Buddy, his all-electric vehicle.

Jenny and David have four children, all within three years of each other. Her son, Thomas, is married with four children and is also a math teacher in Huber Heights. Her daughter, Kathleen, works in Cincinnati as a consultant for the U.S. EPA. Her youngest are identical twins. Anna works for Goodyear in Akron as a sales forecaster. Mary is recently married and working at Kettering Medical Center as a business analyst.

Jenny has been a part-time math teacher at CJ since 1998, and continues to love being part of this faith-based community. Visit her Web page at cjeagles.org >